Millions of women are being drawn into what researchers describe as a “menopause gold rush,” as corporations, celebrities, and social media influencers profit from widespread confusion and misinformation surrounding menopause. Experts from University College London (UCL) warn that women are being financially exploited due to a lack of reliable, evidence-based information on this natural stage of life.
A new study published in the medical journal Post Reproductive Health reveals that many companies and individuals view menopause as a lucrative opportunity. The UCL researchers argue that this commercial trend, fueled by misinformation and inadequate education, is leaving women vulnerable to financial manipulation and health inequities.
Commercial Interests Fuel the “Menopause Market”
The study’s lead author, Professor Joyce Harper from UCL’s Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women’s Health, said the growing attention around menopause has not always benefited women.
“We have a menopause gold rush because companies, investors, and individuals see menopause as a lucrative market,” Harper explained. “While public awareness of menopause has greatly improved recently, the rapid expansion of private companies and influencers has led to misinformation that worsens existing health inequalities.”
The researchers noted that the unregulated growth of the menopause industry — encompassing supplements, hormone therapies, wellness programs, and online courses — has created a fragmented landscape. In this environment, women are often exposed to conflicting advice, commercial pressure, and misleading health claims.
Lack of Reliable Education and Information
According to the study, only one in five women — just 22% of the 1,500 surveyed — said they felt well-informed about menopause. This lack of reliable education has forced many women to turn to social media for answers.
One participant told researchers, “Everything I know about menopause I learnt on Instagram from other women.” Such dependence on unverified sources highlights the urgent need for trusted, evidence-based guidance.
In response, the researchers have called for a nationwide menopause education and support program. Their findings show that 90% of women surveyed believe such an initiative is essential to help them better understand and manage the transition.
What Women Want: Accessible, Accurate, and Scientific Support
Women who participated in the study emphasized that any educational program must be accessible, inclusive, and based on the latest scientific evidence. They suggested that information should be delivered through weekly in-person or online sessions over two to four weeks.
The researchers believe this approach would promote both physical and mental wellbeing by providing reliable information and debunking myths that often circulate online.
The proposed program would cover the wide range of menopausal symptoms — from physical experiences such as hot flushes, palpitations, and sleep disturbances to cognitive and emotional challenges like mood swings and “brain fog.”
Developing a National Menopause Training Programme
The UCL research team has already begun designing a comprehensive training programme aimed at equipping women with knowledge and coping strategies. The initiative would not only help those approaching menopause but also support individuals currently experiencing its effects.
Professor Harper emphasized the importance of government backing to ensure accessibility and consistency.
“There remains a dearth of evidence-based, rigorously evaluated public health programmes targeting people around the time of menopause and afterwards,” she said. “Hence our proposal for a new national programme of menopause education and support, which we hope will be funded by the government.”
Menopause as a Life Transition, Not a Marketplace
Senior study author Dr. Shema Tariq, from UCL’s Institute for Global Health, stressed that menopause should be understood as a natural transition rather than a commercial opportunity.
“Although menopause is a natural hormonal and social shift, without evidence-based information and support it can be a challenging time,” Dr. Tariq explained. “Menopause often comes at a ‘crunch point’ in our lives — when we may be juggling caring roles, work demands, and personal changes that affect our self-esteem and relationships.”
She added that universal access to reliable education and support networks is vital.
“Everyone should be entitled to accurate information, free of charge, so they can navigate this stage of life with confidence and dignity.”
Conclusion
The UCL study underscores a growing need for cultural and educational reform around menopause. While public conversation has improved, experts warn that awareness without accuracy can lead to further confusion and exploitation.
As the so-called “menopause gold rush” continues to expand, researchers and health advocates urge policymakers to shift the focus from profit to empowerment — ensuring that women receive credible, compassionate, and evidence-based support at every stage of their lives.
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